North Marion grad opens tanning salon in Woodburn

Lance Donnelly received the final permits on Dec. 4 to unlock the doors of his ninth Tan Republic franchise located on Mount Hood Avenue.

The new location has a special place in Donnellys heart, as he was raised in Aurora and attended North Marion High School.

I have been looking at this location for quite a few years, he said. Ive always had my eye on doing a store next to where I grew up.

Donnelly opened his first location eight years ago on Market Street in Salem. Today, he has 56 tanning salons ranging from as far north as Lacey, Wash., to as far south as Grants Pass. Donnelly builds each location and sells them as individual franchises.

The more stores we build, were perfecting the system as we continue to multiply. Every time we do that, we get better and better at it each time. I feel like were at that point where we can be much more efficient, Donnelly said. Everything is easier, we can make it nicer, the customers are happier and thats the biggest thing Ive learned since Ive started the company.

Donnelly says his goal is to have the best stores where he resides and continues to replicate. His vision is to continue what he has developed in Oregon and branch out to additional states.

We want to build a customer for life. If that means theyre going to come in a couple times a year, I want them to come in a couple times a year forever, Donnelly said. Thats what makes us different.